Action taken to protect vegetation

The Sunshine Coast Council yesterday acted to ensure that local laws will continue to be in place to protect vegetation on the Sunshine Coast.

This follows State Government advice that local law coverage is the best method to protect vegetation while the government decides how planning schemes can be better designed to also give protection against illegal clearing.

Under State Government legislation all local government local laws were to end on 31 December 2011.

Environment Portfolio Councillor Keryn Jones said that by acting yesterday council will ensure that local law protection against any possible illegal clearing continues into 2012.

"It's likely that long term protection will come from a combination of local laws and planning schemes across the State," Cr Jones said.

"There will no doubt be consultation with the community during next year on these long term measures.

"It's great that in working with the State representatives we have been able to ensure the ongoing protection of one of the region's most important assets.

"It's a good outcome and gives everyone the certainty needed."

For information about vegetation protection visit council’s website.